The Chicana/Chicano Studies (CHS) major emphasizes preparation for those interested in teaching; specialists in bilingual and cross-cultural education; majors in other academic fields who wish to include an additional scope in their field; students pursuing advanced degrees (M.A., M.S.W., Ph.D., or J.D.); and those entering a variety of occupations such as business, communications, urban affairs, government, social work, school administration, counseling, criminology, law, foreign services and other related fields.
In addition, the CHS Department sponsors an extensive public programming calendar throughout the academic year, including the annual Chicana and Chicano Studies Department Lecture Series. The CHS Department also co-sponsors the annual campus-wide Día de los Muertos celebration and the annual Dolores Huerta Graduation Celebration. In support of student organizations, Chicana/Chicano Studies faculty members serve as advisors and work closely with the following student organizations: the Chicana/o Studies Club, MEChA, Espíritu de Nuestro Futuro, Hermanas Unidas, and Latina/o Greek organizations.

Features

The Major and Minor in Chicana/Chicano Studies provide several distinct advantages to students by:

placing emphasis on critical thinking and research;

promoting students to consider graduate school for specialization in Chicana and Chicano Studies and other disciplines;

promoting greater understanding and awareness of Chicana/o community needs and circumstances;

promoting greater appreciation of the contributions of Chicano/as and other indigenous groups to the total development of the American Southwest or Greater Mexico;

training leaders, both inside and outside of minority communities, to work in challenging careers working in minority affairs, and;

preparing them in other fields, such as public policy, immigration affairs, community organization, performing arts; and

empowering them to document the historical realities of Chicana/o people.

Academic Advisement

All majors in Chicana and Chicano Studies are to have a faculty advisor. Students either select an advisor, or have one assigned to them. Students work closely with faculty and associates to prepare them for academic success and possible career choices.

Although not required, both high school and community college students wishing to major or minor in Chicana and Chicano Studies are encouraged to take courses that relate to the Chicana/o experience. In particular, students are advised to study Spanish grammar and communication since Spanish fluency is an essential feature to understand the Mexican and Chicana/o people.

Student Organizations

Ce Chapter: Membership in the Ce Chapter, the Chicana/o Studies Honor Society, is open to students who have completed at least 18 upper division semester units in Chicana/o Studies, and who have a 3.0 grade point average in all CSUDH courses, including a 3.5 grade point average in all Chicana/o Studies courses. Ce Chapter honors those who attain excellence in Chicana/o Studies and those who strive to contribute to the betterment of Chicana/o Latina/o communities. Students interested in applying for membership should consult the chair of the Chicana/o Studies Department.

Graduation with Honors

An undergraduate student may graduate with Honors in Chicana/o Studies provided that the following criteria are met:

A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills;

A minimum grade point average of at least 3.5 in all courses used to satisfy the upper division requirements in the major;